Conexxion, one of the largest mobility companies in the Netherlands, will deploy 20 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen-powered buses in the Hoeksche Waard and Goeree-Overflakkee regions. The same bus model will also be delivered to Cologne and Wuppertal in Germany, and Bolzano in Italy. These locations receive financial support from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the JIVE and JIVE2 (Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe) projects.
For passengers, the new Solaris buses will offer USB charging points, air conditioning, clear information displays, and space for a wheelchair. The buses are fitted with mirrorless technology. As a result, drivers will have a better view of their vehicle and no longer suffer from blind spots.
The new buses are perfectly in line with the ambitions of South Holland. This province, which one of the most populated in the Netherlands, aims to ensure cleaner air for its inhabitants by developing environmentally friendly hydrogen technologies across its territory.
Floor Vermeulen, deputy for Traffic and Transport, said, 'Our roads are getting busier and busier. The health of our passengers and residents is of paramount importance to us. Therefore, putting into service vehicles that ensure clean air is a big step forward'.
Petros Spinaris, Deputy CEO of Solaris Bus & Coach S.A, stated that 'more and more municipal operators and decision-makers are opting for modern, emission-free transport solutions for their regions. The advantages of hydrogen as an energy carrier are indisputable. We are honoured to be able to participate with Connexxion in these forward-looking decisions'.
The province receives a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management for the purchase and deployment of 20 hydrogen buses in South Holland. At European level, this order is part of the JIVE project. The JIVE and JIVE2 projects together aim to deploy 300 hydrogen buses and build a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Europe.
